Could not resist Beneteau 265 deal.

[hard-a-ground]

Must be the spring weather here, but I went to Texas and bought a Beneteau 265 for $6K. I had little time to scout her before plunking down the dough. Now i worry about things I couldn't check out.

Texas... they leave the boats in the water year round. This boat has been out once in 15 years. i wonder what this does to a hull? The sun seems to have melted a lot of the rubber deck items. (we pull our boats in the winter - didn't think about it I guess)

Chainplates... The 265 has the chainplates carefully hidden away inside a fiberglass beam. the access panels were caulked shut on the inside. I'll bet the drain holes on the outside have been plugged for 15 years. Wonder what i'll find when i open this up finally.

Oh well, how bad could it be. One more adventure.

[Travelnik]

Well, as they say, What could possibly go wrong?

Congratulations on the new boat. It sounds like you got a pretty good deal, and I'm sure you'll get it all worked out!

[hard-a-ground]

I am actually pretty scared on this deal. 5 other buyers walked on the deal - I keep wondering what they saw that I missed. Only time will tell I guess at this point. Need to bring her local.

She floats, has good spars, decent sails, winches that work. That should count for something.

[Cheechako]

massive blisters? or did you see it out of the water?

[hard-a-ground]

Blisters are on the list of items I'm worried about. I snorkeled her hull as best i could. above water she was clean.

No way to raise her at this lake. no crane lift. no trailer. nothing.

we'll find out when I put her on a trailer in July.

The Triad Trailer folks are building it - with any luck i'll get down there July 4th weekend.

Every item I think of simply adds stress... that I can't release until July...

On the fun side I get to select a new instrument/autopilot system for her.

[Cheechako]

without blister... how bad can it be! well.... bad maybe , but maybe not. What year is it? Looks like a real long waterline and fractional rig... ought to be fun!

[CaptFrankM]

Take her out to sea. If anything is going to happen, it'll happen out there!

[avb3]

Originally Posted by CaptFrankM

Take her out to sea. If anything is going to happen, it'll happen out there!

Said in your best captain Ron voice, I take it?

[CaptFrankM]

It is the Slocum Corollary to Godwin's Law. As any cruiser discussion goes on, the probability of quoting Captain Ron approaches 1. Figured I'd get it out of the way early!

[philbarroni]

No boat has ever sunk because of blisters. Philb

[AZExploder]

so.. what finally happened with this Bene 265?

I am interested in having a trailer made up for one also. Purchasing a train wreck for cheep.

Thx

[hard-a-ground]

Hi, WinDancer Status... Hull #41... Sure...

Turned into one of the best decisions i ever made, we get along wonderfully. Triad Trailers built me a trailer - North Carolina.

The trailer is a bit over-sized for the boat, I actually think I could put a Beneteau 31 on this trailer. WinDancer tows wonderfully, heavy duty vehicle is all you need. There is a tongue extension, i launch without getting rear wheels wet at the boat ramp. Could actually trailer sail her all summer i'll bet.

I eventually figured out my boat has an extended mast - a huge thing. Double spreaders. To raise and lower it I loop a runner around the lower spreader, then use a ~8' runner to extend up the mast and make an attach point just above the mast CG. My climbing gear comes in handy here. Once you do this the tall mast manages just fine.

My 1 cylinder Volvo Penta engine and fuel system were a mess - cleaned up system and injectors; installed fuel filter - no problems since. Installed a two blade folding prop.

I had a few self inflicted problems moving her from Texas to Ohio(like going through Arkansas).

I like the combination of trailer-ability, interior volume(for my wife), and fun to sail. I am in the process of moving WinDancer to Colorado. She is moving to Lake Dillon.

I am not fond of the hull liner but have learned to cope. Keep the keel and hull clean - she will point fairly high.

let me know if you have specific questions.

Frank.